American School Board Journal Discusses the Impact of Recent Documentaries Focusing on Public Education in November’s Issue

Alexandria, Va. (November 8, 2010) - At least eight recent documentaries are focusing on public education, including the highly publicized “Waiting for Superman.” In the November issue of American School Board Journal (ASBJ), Senior Editor Del Stover reports on what local school leaders need to know about the content of the films and the importance of communicating their real-life stories with their communities. Additionally, communications expert Nora Carr shows how school leaders can seize the reform agenda—before it’s too late.

"Using broad strokes that have little nuance—and sometimes misstated or incorrect facts—these documentaries are using a ‘crisis’ in public education as entertainment," said ASBJ’s Editor-in-Chief Glenn Cook. "But rather than retreat, school board members and other education leaders should use this harsh spotlight to openly discuss what is working and what can work in their schools."

The November issue also focuses on arts programs, which many schools have been forced to cut because of budget shortfalls and an increased focus on assessing student performance in core subjects. The issue features an arts and technology program in the Cincinnati Public Schools that uses visual to reconnect students who are disenfranchised and help them graduate and succeed in their careers. Legendary actress and arts education champion Carol Channing answers ASBJ’s questions on the cross-country campaign she and her husband are undertaking to keep arts in schools.

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American School Board Journal (www.asbj.com), published monthly by the National School Boards Association, serves almost 40,000 school board members and top-level administrators from districts across the nation. The K-12 magazine, published continuously since 1891, has won 17 national honors for education reporting and design since 2006. 

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Some articles on ASBJ’s website require a subscription or payment to view. To receive complimentary online access, please contact NSBA’s Communications Office.